The May meeting of the American Rhododendron Society was called to order at 8:00 P.M. in the Auditorium of the Journal building by President Mr. C. I. Sersanous.
Minutes of the April meeting were read and approved. Mr. Sersanous read the names of four new members in the Portland area. Guests coming the greatest distance were Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kerrigan of Oakland, Calif.
The results of the recent election for Directors were read as follows: John G. Bacher, Dr. J. Harold Clarke, B. F. Lancaster, Dr. Royal Gick, and Howard Slonecker. These men will serve as Directors for the coming two years.
Mr. Bruce Yergen read excerpts from the audit of the books January 1949 to May 1950. This complete financial statement will be published in the July Bulletin.
Mr. Ralph Raynolds of the Men's Garden Club gave a brief talk about the Show which is to be held in the Public Auditorium on the 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Mr. Sersanous reported on the Tacoma show. Members from Portland who sent in fine displays of cut blooms were Mrs. Sophie Cason and Mr. George Grace.
The Seattle meeting was announced May 27th to be held at 4700 25th Ave. A non-competitive cut bloom show would be held at the same time and carried over to Sunday for the public to see.
The Show Chairman, C. T. Hansen was called upon for a report. He urged everyone to enter cut blooms and once more made an appeal for help in setting up the show.
Mr. Sersanous then told of his visit to Oakland Flower Show with Dr. Clarke. The landscape effects were predominated mainly by rhododendrons and azaleas. He told of his attendance at a Men's Garden Club luncheon from which a nucleus of 86 men discussed the formation of a Rhododendron Society of Northern California.
Dr. Clarke was asked to report on Test Gardens. He said that his Hardiness Report will be ready in a few days to be sent out to growers and members who had a large variety of rhododendrons so that the Winter damage could be well calculated.
Mr. Bacher spoke briefly on the Rock seeds. As they have been reduced in price they will be available to the public at the coming show. Due to the political unrest in the Orient it may be the last chance to get seeds from China for many, many years.
The planting of R. Triflorum at 6th and Broadway, and considered the finest of its kind was planted by a former Park Superintendent, Mr. Misch, back in 1910. There are no records of this planting or any of the plants.
The newly elected Directors, Bacher, Clarke, Gick, Lancaster and Slonecker were called to the front to take the oath of office. All were present but Mr. Slonecker.
Mr. Sersanous then gave a very fine summary of his work and efforts for the past year and was most generous in his thanks to various members for their work.
Mr. George Grace showed excellent slides of his English trip. These were enjoyed by all.
Meeting adjourned by Mr. Sersanous.